Game on Glen Rock! receives tax-exempt status

Game On Glen Rock! (GOGR) has received classification from the Internal Revenue Service, and will accelerate fundraising for its proposed synthetic turf installation at Lower Faber field.

The designation establishes GOGR as a charitable organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions under IRS regulations, with no earnings directed to private individuals or shareholders.

Noting the lengthy delay between the group's IRS filing and word of the classification, Game On chair Michael Stewart thanked colleagues Mary Costello and Mark McCullough for their recent efforts to expedite the process.

In a March 6 open letter to the Borough Council and the community, Stewart wrote that the group "can now focus on raising the funds necessary to accomplish its mission - to provide Glen Rock's youth sports program with a state-of-the-art facility that supports safe, reliable skill and fitness development in a spirited, nurturing, and competitive environment."

In a status report to the council in December, Stewart said the group seeks to raise $1 million during 2012 - roughly half of the $1.9 million needed to fund its proposed turf installations and associated improvements at Lower Faber, with no use of borough or taxpayer money. With a fund-raising deadline of February 2014, Game On has banked $100,000 thus far.

In his March 6 letter, Stewart asked the council to "allow GOGR to continue its forward momentum by approving our plans for Glen Rock Family Day on Aug. 18, 2012. While I understand the pool is open that day, the spirit and success of the event relies heavily on hours of sunlight, warm temperatures, field availability and attendance.

"We believe that summer is the best time of year to succeed. With your approval we will be granted the ability to publicize the event, but most importantly, send our comprehensive sponsorship proposals to (prospective) sponsors. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. We are more confident than ever that we will succeed," he wrote.

Additional local events planned by GOGR include a Casino Night and either a vacation or automobile raffle.

The group's overall fund-raising plan is a combination of grassroots, corporate and grant-based financing. Planning proceeded while GOGR awaited its 501(C)3 classification, with the group entering a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with the Glen Rock Soccer Association, designating it as receiver of interim proceeds, to be transferred to the turf organization now that its status is confirmed.

GOGR has identified a list of nearly 40 target foundations and organizations, as well as funding sources not devoted to recreation initiatives per se, but supporting a range of community-building projects with environmental impacts. Stewart said that could generate anywhere from 15 to 20 grant applications this year.

A specific opportunity Stewart noted in December is a potential $200,000 field installation grant from the U.S. Soccer Association. In September, Stewart noted that Field Turf - Game On's preferred field installation contractor - has a seat on the USSA's board of regents, hopefully maximizing chances for a successful grant decision.

Last November, the council authorized fundraising for the project, which would provide state-of-the-art artificial grass surfaces for the borough's baseball, football, soccer and lacrosse sports programs at Lower Faber.

The proposal initially arose because, according to GOGR representatives, between 30 and 50 percent of some sports' schedules have been canceled in recent years due to unplayable field conditions caused by rain, with fields often remaining unfit for many days afterward.

The council approval was based on the condition that the installation cost would be covered by private fundraising, and that future costs to replace the turf when necessary would be covered largely by fees paid by the borough's recreation sports groups.